As we say goodbye to 2018

We reflect on the loss of a very special and giving club member

Laurel Wineinger

1940-2018

Laurel and her husband Dean joined our pickleball club during the 2008-2009 season.

She was a regular at the courts and actively participated in Round Robins.  

Laurel did not lose any time, signing up for our Resident Tournament and winning a Gold Medal!  

It wasn't long until Laurel became a volunteer. She volunteered as a Round Robin Captain and coordinated all the photography for our resident and annual tournaments for four years.  She also took many photos over the years for this Blog. If not busy enough, she also was a coordinator for ordering our club shirts for two years!

Laurel was an active member of the photography club and participated in the annual photo shows.

When not at Palm Creek and not on the pickleball courts at home, she enjoyed RVing with Dean.

During the summer of 2014 Laurel suffered from a life-changing event. She tripped and consequently lost her ability to walk. She spent a great deal of time in rehab and was determined to return to Palm Creek to be with her friends.  With Dean being the best caretaker, they returned to Palm Creek for the 2016 Nationals.

As a testament to Laurel and Dean's generosity of spirit - we had a player who lost her guest housing the day before Nationals was to start, she had made her travel arrangements and was registered to play in the tournament.  We put out a plea for someone to step up.  Laurel and Dean were here only a day and volunteered to host this player! 

Truly inspirational, Laurel was frequently at the courts in her pink wheelchair, always with a smile, sometimes with her camera in hand and a determination to make the best of each day.

God has you in His keeping We have you in our hearts